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From: Gary.Peterson@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Gary Peterson)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Computers Blindsided, part 2
Message-ID: <16150@handicap.news>
Date: 18 Jun 91 16:15:03 GMT
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Index Number: 16150

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

During my first class, I listened to people who were using the
computer in many different ways both at work and at home.
Above all, I learned I wasn't the only one there with computer
phobia.

When I returned to class the next week, I was introduced to one
of the student aides.  After spending a few minutes just getting
to know each other, it was time to get to work.

Let me point out that the instructor and the aides in this class
were all top notch.  Most of them had had some form of computer
phobia so they went out of their way to make us first-timers
feel as comfortable as possible.

As I lay my hands on the keyboard, I started to shake.   All the
negativity I had ever felt toward the computer came back, only
this time it was much worse.  This time I found myself sitting
right in front of one.

Seeing me sitting there with my hands shaking and my face tied up
in knots, he asked if he could help.  I said, "Oh it's just an
itch."  He laughed.  Then I laughed.  Then we both laughed.  That
bit of laughter between us got me over the hump and on my way.

If you've never come near a computer before and find yourself
reticent about it, here are a few hints:

First, find someone (preferably a good friend) with a computer.
Ask them to make you a tape of their computer reading some text.
Have them give you samples of the voice at various rates of
speed, starting with the slowest value and working up.

When hearing your tape for the first time, do not try to absorb
anything being said.  Give yourself plenty of time to get used to
the robotic sounding speech.

On a intellectual level the fact that this voice is coming from a
box alongside a computer is easy to accept.  However, on a gut
level, this concept can be very intimidating.  It took me a week
of hearing this new form of speech before I could feel with
certainty that aliens weren't coming to get me.

After (and only when) you're comfortable with the voice itself,
you can begin to pick out individual words and sentences.  Again,
the key here is to start slow.

Listening to your tape from the beginning, pick out the first two
or three words of a sentence.  Concentrate on that one sentence
until you feel you are ready to go on.

Above all, remember that there's absolutely nothing wrong with
being scared.  It's all part of learning.  Don't let anyone tell
you any different.

For me, the freedom to be able to communicate via the written
word without assistance is well worth all the sweat and intimida-
tion I went through.  Before my computer, there were letters and
other paper work that sometimes just never got done.  Unlike some
readers I've had in the past, the computer is always there when I
need it.

There are some in the blind community who tend to look down on
those who have no interest in computers.  This makes the decision
even harder for those who are still in limbo.  There has always
been, and probably always will be, a debate as to which is
better: speech, Braille or tape.  The final decision is up to
you.

For those of you who decided long before reading this that a
computer just isn't for you, you have my complete support and
congratulations.

If you still haven't made up your mind, give it a try - you might
like it.

--
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